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ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO AWARD TWO FIVE-YEAR CONTRACTS WITH UNIVAR SOLUTIONS USA, LLC AND HILL BROTHERS CHEMICAL COMPANY TO PURCHASE WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Award a five-year contract in the amount of $4,755,300 to Univar Solutions USA, LLC to purchase sodium hypochlorite for water treatment at the Delta Water Treatment Plant.
2. Award a five-year contract in the amount of $814,300 to Hill Brothers Chemical Company to purchase aqueous ammonia for water treatment at the Delta Water Treatment Plant.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The Municipal Utilities Department operates and maintains the Delta Water Treatment Plant (DWTP). Dedicated in 2012, the DWTP diverts up to 30 million gallons per day of water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and Mokelumne River for treatment and distribution to the City of Stockton water service area.
If approved by the City Council, this action would award two contracts to purchase chemicals used in the water treatment process.
DISCUSSION
Background
The DWTP uses various chemicals as part of the water treatment process to remove contaminants, reduce harmful microorganisms, and ensure the water meets all state and federal drinking water standards before it is delivered to customers.
Completed and dedicated in 2012, the DWTP water treatment process includes ozone oxidation, disinfection, and ultra-membrane filtration. Sodium hypochlorite is used in surface water pre-treatment to inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, and to help control algae and organic matter that can affect water quality and downstream treatment processes.
When water is treated, a small amount aqueous ammonia is added to form chloramines, which is a stable disinfectant that provides longer-lasting protection than free chlorine. This helps maintain safe, disinfected water throughout the distribution system.
On September 18, 2025, the City advertised an Invitation for Bids for the purchase and delivery of sodium hypochlorite and aqueous ammonia to the DWTP, well sites and other facilities, Project No. PUR 26-010.
Present Situation
On October 9, 2025, the following six (6) firms submitted bids:
|
Vendor |
Chemical |
Unit Cost (per gallon) |
Est. Annual Quantity (Gallons) |
|
Hill Brothers Chemical Company |
Aqueous Ammonia |
$ 2.20 |
66,985 |
|
Airgas Specialty Products Inc. |
Aqueous Ammonia |
$ 2.28 |
66,985 |
|
Pur Water LLC* |
Sodium Hypochlorite |
$ 2.80 |
252,540 |
|
Pacific Star Chemical* |
Sodium Hypochlorite |
$ 2.77 |
252,540 |
|
Pioneer America LLC** |
Sodium Hypochlorite |
$ 3.35 |
252,540 |
|
Univar Solutions USA, LLC |
Sodium Hypochlorite (DWTP) |
$ 3.24 |
207,000 |
|
Univar Solutions USA, LLC |
Sodium Hypochlorite (wells) |
$ 4.17 |
45,540 |
*Pur Water LLC and Pacific Star Chemical formally withdrew their bids due to the City’s anticipated chemical delivery start date, which did not align with their proposed delivery schedules.
**Pioneer America LLC’s minimum delivery requirement did not comply with City’s specifications and was therefore determined to be nonresponsive.
Hill Brothers Chemical Company was the lowest responsive bidder for aqueous ammonia. Likewise, Univar Solutions USA, LLC, was the lowest responsive bidder for sodium hypochlorite. The bid allows for a maximum 5% cost increase for each succeeding year as long as either raw material or production costs have increased.
Staff recommend that the City Council award a five-year contract in the amount of $4,755,300 to Univar Solutions USA, LLC (Exhibit 1 to the Resolution) to purchase sodium hypochlorite, and a five-year contract in the amount of $814,300 to Hill Brothers Chemical Company for aqueous ammonia (Exhibit 2 to the Resolution) for DWTP water treatment.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Funds for year one of the contracts will be requested as part of the FY 2026-27 budget process in the following accounts - 6513-511-650005-600-000-00-65-000-000; 6515-000-650005-600-000-00-65-000-000. Funding for the remaining contract term will be requested during the future annual budget process.
This action has no impact on the General Fund or any other unrestricted funds.